Effie did not put all this into words, but she perceived it, by means of a little humorous perception which was in her eyes though she did not know it. And though they were so much finer than she was, knew so much more, and possessed so much more, yet these young ladies were as the comedians of life to little Effie, performing their drawing-room drama for her amusement. They talked over the little churchyard which lay at the opening of the glen in the same way. “The Americans have not found out Allonby yet,” they said to each other. “We must ask Miss Greenwood up here--or, oh! let us have Henry Holland. But no, he will not go into any raptures. He has gone through everything in that way. He is more _blasé_ than the most _blasé_ of Englishmen; let us have some one fresh. How they will hang over the _Hic jacet_! And we must have some one who knows the ballad. Do you know the ballad, Effie? but perhaps you never heard of it, as you were born here.” “Do you mean about Helen?” said Effie. And in her shyness she grew red, up to her hair. “Oh Helen fair beyond compare, I’ll make a garland of thy hair, Shall bind my heart for ever mair.” “How delightful! the rural muse, the very genius of the country. Effie, you shall recite it to us standing by the stone with a shepherd’s maud thrown over you, and that sweet Scotch accent which is simply delicious.” “And the blush, dear, just as it is,” said Phyllis, clapping her hands softly; “you will have the most enormous success.” “Indeed, I shall do nothing of the sort,” said Effie, her soft colour of shyness and resentment turning into the hot red of shame. “I wish you would not try to make a fool of me, as well as of the place.” “To make a fool of you! Don’t be angry, Effie, the phrase is enchanting. Make a fool of--that is Scotch too. You know I am beginning to make a collection of Scoticisms; they are one nicer than another. I only wish I had the accent and the voice.” “And the blush, Dor; it would not be half so effective without that. Could you pick up those little particulars which Effie doesn’t appreciate, with your dramatic instinct into the bargain----” “Should I be able to recite Fair Helen as well as Effie? Oh no,” said Doris, and she began, “Oh Helen fair beyond compare,” with an imitation of that accent which Effie fondly hoped she was free of, which entirely overcame the girl’s self-control. Her blush grew hotter and hotter till she felt herself fiery red with anger, and unable to bear any more. “If I spoke like that,” she cried, “I should be ashamed ever to open my mouth!” then she added with a wave of her hand, “Goodbye, I am going home,” for she could not trust herself further. “Oh, Effie, Effie! Why goodness, the child’s offended,” cried Phyllis. “And I had just caught her tone!” said the other. Then they both turned upon Fred. “Why don’t you go after her? Why don’t you catch her up? Why do you stand there staring?”